Hatsuhiko Tsuji and Masaki Saito, who appeared on 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 5th, mentioned Ryoya Kurihara of the Softbank Hawks.

Tsuji praised him, saying, 'He did a great job. He ran through the entire season without getting injured. This is his best report card, a perfect 5. He had been suffering from injuries every year, but when he hits, the team gets excited. His performance throughout the year was magnificent.' Saito also raved, 'He appeared in 142 games. I think that says it all. That is exactly why he was able to produce numbers like 40 home runs, and I think he was wonderful.'

Tomotaka Sakaguchi, who served as the program MC, gave his seal of approval, saying, 'It's wonderful—40 home runs and 118 RBI. First of all, hitting 40 home runs is a huge achievement. He fulfilled his role as the number four hitter. The core of the lineup has become truly solid.'

In his 12th season this year, Kurihara appeared in 142 games and won his first individual titles with a league-leading 40 Home Runs and 118 RBI.

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"